Tokusatsu GaGaGa [TALKBACK]

Putting this here in case any one wants to talk about it. While it has a sentai like team it focuses on a female fan of the genre, who imagines herself as part of the team. Feels like something we can relate to on some level.

Hey! Thanks for saving me the trouble. I was thinking of making a discussion thread about this show, but I heard it was only going to last a few episodes, so I was on the fence about starting a discussion now or waiting until the show is over. This really helps me out now.

And as for episode 1? Loved it! The show is easily accomplishing what AkibaRanger did, but in a more realistic way without completely going over the top.
I related to the main character SO much! The struggle is real...
But the first episode ended great, and I really hope they make a soundtrack for this show.

I was wondering about the episode count, do you have any idea how many?

And while SamuraiEchidna isn't a fan of them TVNihon is also doing the .

Having watched the the first episode, I have to agree with how relatable the lead character is. Even if it is done for a slightly more comedic effect you do feel her pain. Although I do like how the "MoTW" is related to her inner struggle. Because if Mom is going to be the big stress causer for her next week I can't wait to see what her monster looks like.

I was wondering about the episode count, do you have any idea how many?

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I've seen a few sources say 7 episodes, but none of those sources verify where they are getting their information. So I can't say if it's really just going to be a 7 episode run. It might just be that 7 episodes have only been confirmed so far. But the show is based on a manga, and the manga only has a few issues, so 7 episodes might be enough to cover everything.

Just an update, apparently Over-Time is now also trying their hand at translating this series. So unless one of the three groups drops out, there is plenty of options to go around!

Personally, if I had to make a recommendation, I'd go with Big Nova. They and Over-Time are both are equally capable of translating this show. But I like to spread the love and attention around, so unless they decide to drop out of the project, I say please support Big Nova when it comes to this show. Over-Time is all ready the master of Sentai and Kamen Rider right now.

I remember someone recommending this manga...I would've figured this series became an anime than a J-Drama

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I would love to see an anime based on Sentai, with a serious tone instead of a one-off comedy like SD Kamen Rider was. But the manga was about a tokusatsu fan, so it does make more sense to produce it in live action. And I imagine it's kind of an honor, since Japan cares more about making the original vision come to life rather than taking a ton of creative liberties with live action interpretation. You know, like how America loves to do.

Man, episode 2 had me in tears! Now that's a friend you want to have, one that will never judge you for your hobbies or interests, no matter how geeky; one that understands that it's okay to like things even if you're an adult or if you're not the target demographic. There was some future plot lines set up, but it looks like we'll have to wait for those to fully unfold.

And episode 3 is just another shining example of how much the creators of this show get it. There is a disillusion between fictional shows that try to teach lessons and morals, and real life. The lessons taught might be simple and powerful, but applying them to real life is not always easy or universal, especially when you're an adult. But I'm glad Nakamura isn't giving up. I'm rooting for her. And now I have a new term to use for people who ignore their tokusatsu origins as actors; dark history!

Now that's a friend you want to have, one that will never judge you for your hobbies or interests, no matter how geeky; one that understands that it's okay to like things even if you're an adult or if you're not the target demographic.

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Eh, there's a flip side to that. A friend should let you know if what you're doing is objectively disturbing or otherwise inappropriate, and some people genuinely fail to grow up (take a look at "bread and circuses" sports fanatics for example).

And there are fans who schizophrenicly dismiss these shows as just "glorified kids' toy commercials" while demanding that the genre comply to their social morals, that they assume are universal.

Wow. Episode 4... Never thought I'd see a sentimental karaoke scene. Too bad most American karaoke bars expect you to perform in front of crowd rather than giving you a private room. So much for singing J-songs, Anisongs, and Cartoon songs with my friends (the ones that I don't have right now).
Mostly, I am looking forward to episode 5. They left that plot thread hanging for too long.

Eh, there's a flip side to that. A friend should let you know if what you're doing is objectively disturbing or otherwise inappropriate, and some people genuinely fail to grow up (take a look at "bread and circuses" sports fanatics for example).

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The implied context I was going for is if your hobbies aren't harming anyone. I know, I didn't say that specifically (and probably should have). I've just seen so many people say it that I thought it was obvious at this point.

Episode 5!
Anyone notice how Miyabi was wearing a "Friends" jacket? Since she's part of the closet geek club, it makes sense that she might enjoy some American TV shows on the side.

I also find it interesting that girls are dissuaded from watching a show that is primarily for boys even in Japan. There are plenty of shounen series that have female heroes and female main characters; just so there'd be something for everyone. The episode never brought it up, but that would have also been a good thing to reflect on. I'm sure creators of shows like Super Sentai and various shounen anime aren't exactly happy when they took the time to try and appeal to all genders, yet parents dissuade their daughters from enjoying it anyways.

I would love to see an anime based on Sentai, with a serious tone instead of a one-off comedy like SD Kamen Rider was. But the manga was about a tokusatsu fan, so it does make more sense to produce it in live action. And I imagine it's kind of an honor, since Japan cares more about making the original vision come to life rather than taking a ton of creative liberties with live action interpretation. You know, like how America loves to do.

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After what Trigger did with SSSS.Gridman...why not. The fact that show paid homage to both the Original and the Adaptation is rare thing to see.

Well, it's been a long while. Sorry for the hiatus, but Big Nova Subs finally finished the entire series. For a moment, it looked like other groups might step up and finish where they left off. But Big Nova finished their personal business and managed to get back on this show after all!

Episode 6 was just... Ouch. I felt that in the pit of my gut. I saw the ending unraveling and I even knew the return slap was coming, but it doesn't change the fact that it was such a horrible thing to happen between a parent and child. The episode was mostly innocuous, but they lead me to believe that maybe if Kano tried to understand her mother's feelings and everything, then maybe they could each come to an understanding about each other. Instead, we got the worst possible scenario, yet one that does sometimes play out in real life...
To all those with aspirations of being a parent some day, don't do this. Don't be this kind of parent. If you truly love and care about your child, then prove it by just letting them be who they want to be. If they aren't hurting anybody, then remember there's always worse things they could have been. Your job is to just love unconditionally, accept them for who they are even if it wasn't what you had in mind, and be happy for them.

And finally... Episode 7. It's happy. It's also bittersweet, but it's happy. And fittingly so. Kano and her mother have damaged their relationship, and maybe it'll never be quite the same. But they can at least pick up the pieces, much like Kano's broken Shishi Leo figure. I'm sad that I'll never see how Kano's love life ends. She was finally showing interest in someone, and someone else in the office had a secret crush on her. There's perhaps a lot of unresolved story lines. But maybe keeping them unresolved is for the best. It's not the same as being denied a final fight scene in an action show. It's more like a metaphor about how life doesn't have any endings, just potential to become something different and maybe something better. And you know I loved that surprise cameo at the end!!

Well, that was Tokusatsu GaGaGa.
It might not have been as long as other shows with similar subject material, but the overall message was a powerful one that longer shows don't always hit. Maybe it's not fair to compare, but if AkibaRanger is just for the nerds, then Tokusatsu GaGaGa is for everyone. The nerds will connect with Kano's journey (especially if you love Tokusatsu), and hopefully the casuals will take something away from it without feeling like they are forced to watch a kids show, and any parents out there will hopefully learn that being a nerd doesn't equal being a failure at life. It's got heart warming moments, bittersweet moments, great moments, tough moments, and it really is a worthwhile journey. Best of all, at only 7 episodes, you don't have to worry about taking a large chunk out of anyone's life to fully enjoy it.

I have never read the manga. Pieces of manga art were seen in this series, mostly as an eye catch for the commercial breaks. I noticed that in illustrations, Kano looks a bit more full proportionately, and her actor is a bit thinner by comparison. I wondered if she truly represented the image of a nerd, or if she was chosen for the part just because she's pretty. However, in the last two episodes, I think her acting ability is what really sold it. You can try to emulate it in manga; but that powerful outburst, the tears and quivering lip, and the lingering feelings of grief and sorrow... She nailed it. She might have even nailed it better than an anime voice actor. And the final message of the show really ties everything together. A perfect message to end on.

I'm happy to say that Tokusatsu GaGaGa is now at the top of my list of toku-related dramas, and I highly recommend it. (Sorry AkibaRanger, but you've been demoted to #2.) And they had better release a soundtrack with the EmerJason and Jushowan theme songs, darn it! I need those songs in my life!

I'm mixed on this show. Some of it is relatable. I have done some of those things Kano does to get people into toku. The Hiroshi Miyauchi cameo in Kazami Shiro's outfit was fun. However, I think the show/manga actually confirms some of the more negative aspects of the toku/anime/scifi fandom. Despite the familiar territory, none of the characters are actually likable. I'm not sure I even like the message they're presenting. Arguably this is how you wind up with Bronies, more adults than kids watching Marvel/DC movies, and stunted SJWs in the anime/toku fandom. Kano's mother may act like a jerk, but she's not entirely wrong in how she thinks. There is something off-putting about these women in their 20s and 30s focusing on this stuff, even staging a photoshoot on the beach, when their peers are already married with children.